Will the Minister provide an update on remedial works to the landslides in Tylorstown and Wattstown?
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has recently completed its phase three works at the Tylorstown coal tip site.
These phases of work have included the immediate response to the incident, reinstating the river to its original line and level, the reinstatement of appropriate drainage infrastructure, the addressing of scouring on the tip and remediation of 60,000 tonnes of landslip material from the valley bottom.
Phase four works will involve the removal of 150,000 tonnes of the residual spoil material from the hillside above the river and will start next year with design and scoping work carried out this year, including engagement with the local community. Some interim works will take place later this summer and are currently out to tender and will involve further drainage and stabilisation of the spoil tip to enable next year’s works to be undertaken safely.
Wattstown West is a private coal tip which has experienced some scouring and a small amount of material has slipped to the foot of the tip. While the tip is subject to ongoing slippage, this is largely a cosmetic issue but creates public concern due to its prominence in the landscape. With the permission of the landowner, the Coal Authority and the local authority are regularly on site to monitor the tip. A specialist civil engineering contractor is developing design options with the aim of works starting as soon as practicable.